History of Wayne County PA

Wayne County History

Wayne County is perched in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, 100 miles west of New York City, 150 miles north of Philadelphia and 35 miles east of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor. The County is 86 miles long from tip to tip and covers 744 square miles.

Wayne County was created from Northampton County in 1798 and named after General Anthony Wayne. Its proximity to New York City and neighboring urban areas has been a major factor in the county’s heritage ever since this nation was young.

It was the discovery of anthracite coal in northeastern Pennsylvania, in the early 1800’s, and the need to transport this fuel to New York City which gave birth to the Delaware and Hudson Canal, the American Railroad and the Borough of Honesdale, the County seat of Wayne County. Farming, ice harvesting, lumbering, tanneries, children’s summer camps and boarding homes all contributed to the early Wayne County economy. Today, farming, lumbering and tourism continue to play an important part in employing the citizens of Wayne County. Small industry and construction are major employers in the Wayne County of the 1990’s, along with the second home and the related commercial enterprises.

Lake Wallenpaupack and the Delaware River are centers for recreation and leisure activities. The Waymart Wind Farm, Highlights for Children, International Himalayan Institute and the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions are just a few of the businesses and attractions that call Wayne County home.